#Israel - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

 

Reproductive ducks. 41 months old. Drop in lay and reduction of water consumption. Gastrointestinal symptoms. HaZafon Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7168

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#Lithuania - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

A wild mute swan in Kauno Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7166

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Development of a multi-species #luciferase-based double #antigen #ELISA for the detection of #antibodies against #Influenza A virus #H5 clade 2.3.4.4b

 

Abstract

The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of subtype H5N1 represent a major threat to animal and public health. The current panzootic with H5 clade 2.3.4.4b has caused numerous, widespread outbreaks in various domestic and wild avian species with high mortalities, massive losses and a high frequency of spillover events to unexpected novel mammalian hosts such as dairy cows. The global H5N1 situation raises serious concerns about zoonotic risks due to effective mammal-to-mammal transmission. Therefore, it is critical to increase surveillance intensity of a broadened species range, particularly at the human-animal interface. For this purpose, reliable and cost-effective serological tools that are easy to perform and suitable for high-throughput screenings are critically needed. The newly developed double antigen ELISA format employing a luminescence-based detection technology has demonstrated to comply with such prerequisites. The assay allowed the detection of H5-specific antibodies even early after infection or vaccination in a wide range of birds and mammals including humans. It further demonstrated superior analytical sensitivity and high specificity for antibodies directed against H5 hemagglutinin of clade 2.3.4.4b as no cross-reactivity with other hemagglutinin subtypes was observed. Thus, the assay represents a valuable contribution to existing serological diagnostic tests for a clade-optimized detection of influenza A virus antibodies in a broad range of species.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.05.697617v1

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T cell #immunity to seasonal #Influenza A and #H5N1 viruses in #laboratory #workers receiving annual seasonal Influenza #vaccines

 

{Abstract}

Background: 

Emerging threats such as highly pathogenic influenza strains like H5N1 emphasize the need for vaccines that induce cross-reactive immunity against conserved epitopes. Existing influenza vaccines primarily elicit strain-specific responses, leaving gaps in protection against pandemic subtypes. This study aimed to evaluate T cell responses to seasonal influenza A and H5N1 and compare them to SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses to understand differences shaped by distinct exposure histories and vaccination strategies.

Methods: 

T cell responses were assessed in 41 laboratory workers who received annual seasonal influenza vaccines using ELISpot to quantify responses to peptide pools derived from influenza (H1N1 hemagglutinin [HA], H3N2 HA, H5N1 HA, matrix protein 1 [MP1], nucleoprotein [NP]) and SARS-CoV-2 (spike [S2S], nucleocapsid [S2N]). Ten-day expansion assays were used to evaluate functional cross-reactivity between H1, H3, and H5 HA. Intracellular cytokine staining was performed to assess antigen-specific T cell functionality. We used the IFN-γ ELISpot assay and intracellular cytokine staining to evaluate T cell responses to H5N1 HA peptides and assessed cross-reactivity and functional similarity in H1N1 HA-expanded cells.

Results: 

The percentage of individuals with effector T cell responses to influenza peptide pools, was markedly lower than the percentage of individuals with S2S-specific T cells. However, HA-specific memory cells that cross-recognized H1, H3, and H5 HA were present in many individuals. T cells expanded with H1 or H5 HA proteins cross-recognized homologous epitopes in the 2 proteins and cytokine production profiles were comparable between H1- and H5-expanded T cells.

Conclusion: 

These results highlight the potential for influenza vaccines to elicit cross-reactive immunity against H5N1 viruses. These findings also demonstrate differences between T cell responses to influenza and SARS-CoV-2, highlighting distinct immune profiles that could inform future vaccine strategies.

Source: 

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1718805/full

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, Jan. 5 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

Time Period: December 21, 2025 - December 27, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 4 site(s) (1.1%)

-- No Detection: 359 site(s) (98.9%)

-- No samples in last week: 168 site(s)

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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High pathogenicity avian #influenza virus #H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in #Antarctica: Multiple Introductions and the First Confirmed Infection of Ice-Dependent #Seals

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has expanded rapidly across the Southern Ocean since 2023, causing extensive mortality in sub-Antarctic wildlife. Yet its penetration into Antarctica and impacts on ice-dependent species remain poorly resolved primarily due to surveillance constraints. We report the first confirmed H5N1 infection in an Antarctic ice-dependent seal (crabeater seal; Lobodon carcinophaga) and document mortality of crabeater seals across the northern Weddell Sea during November-December 2024. Combining genomic, serological and observational data across nine species, we detected H5N1 RNA in a crabeater seal and a kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), and recovered complete HA, NA and M2 gene sequences from both. Phylogenetic analyses allowed us to identify at least two independent introductions of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b into the northern Antarctic Peninsula region. Serology provided strong evidence of prior exposure in scavenging birds, but no detectable H5 immunity in penguins or pinnipeds. Together, the results demonstrate ongoing novel viral incursions into Antarctica, likely facilitated by at-sea processes e.g. animal interactions on ice floes, that remain invisible to land-based surveillance. These findings highlight the vulnerability of ice-dependent pinnipeds to HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and the urgent need for expanded integrated Antarctic monitoring frameworks that pair serology, opportunistic carcass sampling and genomic sequencing.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Rolex-National Geographic Perpetual Planet Expeditions

Schmidt Oceans Institute

Geoffrey Evans Trust

Kenneth C. Griffin

Griffin Catalyst

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.04.697571v1

____

#Poland - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

 

A poultry farm in Lubelskie Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7162

____

#India - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

 

{Kerala}

1) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

2) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

3) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

4) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

5) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

6) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

7) The outbreak was detected in ducks within an integrated rice–duck farming system.

8, 9 & 10) Poultry farms.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7161

____

History of Mass Transportation: Four Motor tram 497 at Milton in 1949, Brisbane, Australia

 

By Unknown author - Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Sreejithk2000 using CommonsHelper. Original uploader was Paddington62 at en.wikipedia, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10541855

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Brisbane

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Red Friend, Lan Ying (Ming Dynasty)

 

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/lan-ying/red-friend

____

#Enterovirus D68 #Sequence #Variations and #Pathogenicity: A Review

Abstract

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a neurotropic respiratory pathogen, poses a considerable clinical threat through its link to pediatric acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and severe respiratory illness. The possibility of recurrent epidemics, evidenced since the 2014 outbreak, remains a major concern. Genomic determinants of virulence are central to this threat. Sequence variations that affect host–receptor interactions, immune evasion, and replication efficiency serve as critical modifiers of pathogenicity. This article systematically reviews the evidence for specific genomic sites that enhance EV-D68 virulence, focusing on three critical regions: the VP1 receptor-binding site, the 2Apro/TRAF3 cleavage site, and the 3Cpro immunoregulatory region. Mutations in the VP1 receptor-binding site can alter affinity for host receptors such as sialic acid, heparan sulfate, and MFSD6, thereby shaping viral entry and tissue tropism. Alterations in the 2Apro/TRAF3 cleavage site may impair proteolytic cleavage of host TRAF3, attenuating immune evasion and reducing viral pathogenicity. Variations in the 3Cpro region affect its efficiency in cleaving host proteins involved in translation and autophagy, ultimately modulating viral replication and antiviral responses. Finally, we propose that monitoring for mutations in these key virulence determinants, particularly within the surface-exposed VP1, is essential for effective outbreak preparedness.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/1/73

____

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History of Mass Transportation: The Stadler Rail CFF Ee 922 Electric Shunter in Brig

 

Par Milleuros — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21899269

Source: 

Link: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFF_Ee_922

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The Emerging #Threat of #Monkeypox: An Updated #Overview

Abstract

Monkeypox (MPOX) is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), an orthopoxvirus closely related to smallpox. Initially confined to endemic regions in Central and West Africa, MPOX has recently gained global significance with outbreaks reported across multiple continents. MPXV is maintained in animal reservoirs but is increasingly transmitted from person to person, facilitated by close contact, respiratory droplets, and, in some cases, sexual transmission. Clinically, MPOX presents with fever, lymphadenopathy, and a characteristic vesiculopustular rash, though atypical manifestations have been observed in recent outbreaks, complicating diagnosis. Laboratory confirmation relies on molecular testing, while differential diagnosis must consider varicella, herpes, and other vesicular illnesses. Therapeutic options remain limited; supportive care is the cornerstone of management, but antivirals such as tecovirimat and brincidofovir, as well as smallpox vaccines, have shown efficacy in mitigating disease severity and preventing infection. The unprecedented global outbreak has underscored the importance of surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and coordinated public health responses to contain transmission. This review provides an overview of epidemiology, virology, clinical manifestations, modes of transmission, available diagnostics, and prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against MPOX. We also discuss the role of animal reservoirs, viral evolution, and human-to-human transmission in shaping the dynamics of recent MPOX outbreaks. By summarizing the latest evidence, this review aims to inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers about key aspects of MPOX biology, clinical management, and prevention, while identifying gaps that warrant future investigation for the control of this and potentially other emerging zoonotic-related pathogens with an impact on human health.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/1/69

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A cocktail #vaccine with #monkeypox virus #antigens confers protection without selecting #mutations in potential immune evasion genes in the vaccinia WR strain challenge

ABSTRACT

Faced with the global monkeypox outbreak, current vaccine development predominantly focuses on the mRNA platform despite its limitations in stability and long-term efficacy. Here, we engineered a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-vectored cocktail vaccine encoding four conserved monkeypox virus (MPXV) antigens (A35R, A29L, M1R, and B6R; >94% clade homology), leveraging the thermostable properties of the VSV platform validated for 4°C storage in Ebola vaccines. In BALB/c mice, this multi-antigen vaccine elicited a rapid humoral response with specific IgG detectable by day 7, effectively neutralized the virus, and induced a robust Th1/Th2 balanced cytokine response. Immunization conferred 100% survival against lethal vaccinia virus WR strain challenge, with undetectable viral loads in the lungs and serum, and sustained efficacy against secondary infection at 60 days. Histopathology confirmed minimal lung damage in vaccinated mice. Crucially, upon the successive challenges, mutations in key poxvirus immune evasion genes (E3L and B7R) emerged in the single-component vaccine groups but were absent in the cocktail vaccine group. This finding provides direct evidence that the cocktail strategy suppresses viral escape, underscoring a fundamental advantage over single-antigen approaches. Our findings demonstrate the rVSV-based cocktail vaccines as a potent, scalable, and thermostable candidate for global MPXV control, particularly in regions with limited settings.

IMPORTANCE

The global emergence of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) underscores the urgent need for effective and accessible vaccines. We developed a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-vectored cocktail vaccine expressing four conserved MPXV antigens. This multivalent vaccine elicits rapid and potent immune responses in mice, conferring complete protection against lethal vaccinia virus challenge. A critical finding is that while successive viral challenges selected for mutations in key immune evasion proteins in single-antigen vaccine groups, these mutations were absent in the cocktail-vaccinated group. This suggests that the cocktail strategy may suppress viral genetic drift, potentially limiting escape pathways. Combined with the thermostability of the VSV platform, our vaccine presents a promising and scalable candidate for combating monkeypox.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.03200-25?af=R

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Constructing national identity in #public #health #crises: a comparative DHA study of #China and the #USA (2003–2023)

{Abstract}

This study examines how China and the United States construct national identity in multilateral settings during public health crises through strategic discourse. Drawing on National Identity Theory and the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA), it analyzes speeches delivered at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from 2003 to 2023, covering multiple crises including SARS, H1N1, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. Through a longitudinal and cross-crisis comparative analysis, the study reveals evolving discursive patterns that reflect shifting self–other dynamics in global health governance. China consistently constructs an identity as a cooperative, responsible major power through inclusive and multilateral language, while the United States exhibits greater variation across administrations, often framing its identity through alliance-centered and leading position. By bridging discourse-historical analysis with corpus-based methods, this research offers one of the first systematic cross-crisis comparisons of identity construction in global health diplomacy. It highlights how crises serve as critical junctures for nations to redefine their international roles, providing insights into the communicative foundations of global health governance.

Source: 

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1688483/full

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An ultrapotent #human #antibody neutralizes all maturation states of #Zika virus

 

Significance

Zika virus causes microcephaly in fetuses and no vaccines or therapeutics currently exist against it. Mature and immature flavivirus particles are infectious. Here, we showed the cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) structures of an ultrapotent A9E human antibody, complexed with both mature (mZIKV) and immature (immZIKV) Zika virus, and the antibody neutralization mechanism. One important characteristic is that Fab A9E can distort both mZIKV and ImmZIKV particle structures. Additionally, Fab A9E or IgG A9E LALA mutant can abolish or reduce the overall infection to myeloid cells when added to other infection enhancing antibody DV62.5:immZIKV complexes. Thus, antibody A9E represents a promising potential prophylactic and therapeutic candidate, as it is effective against all maturation states of Zika virus.

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus, causes a range of clinical complications including microcephaly in human fetuses. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine. Different maturation states (mature and immature forms) of flavivirus particles have been observed to be released from infected cells and are infectious. To understand how an ultrapotent human antibody (HMAb) A9E can neutralize these Zika particles, we determined the cryoEM structures of the A9E Fab fragment complexed with mature (mZIKV) and immature (immZIKV) ZIKV to 2.8Å and 7.5Å, respectively. A9E binds to an epitope spanning Domain I (EDI), EDIII, and their linker in an E protein protomer in both immZIKV and mZIKV particles. A9E generally inhibited prior to or during virus attachment to cells, via virus aggregation, distortion of virus particles and inhibition of receptor binding. ImmZIKV is particularly sensitive to structural distortion by Fab A9E. The primary mode of infection used by ImmZIKV is via antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE)—the formation of virus complex with nonneutralizing or subneutralizing concentrations of antibodies, that leads to enhanced infection of Fcγ positive myeloid cells. IgG A9E, by itself displays poor ADE activity. When IgG LALA mutant or Fab A9E is added to other enhancing antibody (DV62.5):virus complexes, they can strongly reduce the overall ADE activity. This is likely due to their ability to distort virus particle structure, suggesting that HMAb A9E could be a potential prophylactic and therapeutic candidate against all maturation states of ZIKV.

Source: 

Link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2502522122?af=R

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Expanding Horizons: #Host Range #Evolution and #Treatment Strategies for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 and #H7N9

 

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), including H5N1 and H7N9, from the Orthomyxoviridae family present substantial public health concerns. The predominant circulating clade 2.3.4.4b has demonstrated enhanced capacity for mammalian adaptation, raising concerns about potential reassortment with human seasonal influenza viruses. Unlike H7N9’s limited host range, H5N1 infects birds, various mammals, and humans. Recent concerns include widespread H5N1 infection of U.S. dairy cattle across 18 states, affecting over 1000 herds with 71 human infections (70 H5N1 and 1 H5N5). Key observations include cow-to-cow transmission, viral presence in milk, and transmission to humans, mainly through occupational exposure. Evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission has been documented in European and Canadian foxes and South American marine mammals. Standard pasteurization effectively inactivates the virus in milk. The continuing mammalian adaptations, particularly mutations like PB2-E627K, PB2-D701N, and PB2-M535I, suggest potential for further evolution in new hosts, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance to mitigate pandemic risks.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/1/54

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Phylogenetic Characteristics and High Prevalence of a #Merbecovirus in #Hedgehogs from Greenspace of a Metropolis, #China

 

Abstract

SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 have posed tremendous threats to human health, highlighting the necessity of monitoring cross-species transmission of animal coronaviruses to humans. Hedgehogs infected with coronaviruses have been reported in several countries across Europe and Asia, raising concerns about the potential transmission of coronaviruses from hedgehogs to humans. In this study, we investigated coronavirus infections in hedgehogs inhabiting greenspaces in metropolitan Beijing and identified a Merbecovirus subgenus coronavirus with a prevalence rate of 30% (95% CI: 25–35%) among 317 hedgehogs. Phylogenetic analysis of 23 complete viral genome sequences revealed a monophyletic origin, showing close relatedness to Erinaceus hedgehog coronavirus HKU31 (Ea-HedCoV HKU31) with genome-wide nucleotide identities of 93.24–96.42%, and evidence of recombination with Tylonycteris bat coronavirus HKU4. These findings suggest that the increase in wildlife populations associated with urban greenspace development may pose a potential threat to human health that should not be overlooked.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/14/1/83

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